11/22 Hot Stove Notes

In case you’re wondering why I haven’t posted one of these in a few days, it’s because nothing notable has happened. Since none of you want to read about an uneventful day, I’ll just stick to posting on days when, a) a significant move is made, or b) a Mariners rumor emerges. Anyway…

Mariners

• According to Jon Paul Morosi, The Mariners are among seven teams rumored to have interest in RHP Brandon McCarthy, formerly of the Texas Rangers. McCarthy is basically your standard, mediocre right-hander – he walks an average amount of hitters, strikes out an average amount of hitters, and sports a career 4.94 xFIP. He used to be a pretty highly touted prospect in the White Sox system, but his career has fallen off the table significantly since being traded to Texas in the John Danks deal. He’s likely to come cheap, and he could turn out to be a serviceable back of the rotation starter, though he’s really nothing special.
• Ken Rosenthal corrected his earlier report today, as it turns out the Mariners, and not the Indians, are indeed the fourth team on Justin Upton’s no trade list. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, though, as no-trade clauses can, and have been waived on numerous occasions. It just makes a potential deal working out a little bit less likely.

Moves around the league

• Dontrelle Willis is back again, as the Reds signed him to a minor league deal today. Amazingly, he’s still only 28 years old, so it’s hard to blame him for wanting to give it yet another shot. When I was younger, Willis made a quick impression on me with his insane wind-up, and as a result I’ve always rooted for the guy, so good luck, Dontrelle!